[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 16, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL FFA WEEK

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the National 
FFA Organization and celebrate National FFA Week, February 19-26, 2022. 
This is a week to applaud the positive impact FFA has made on our 
country and acknowledge the accomplishments of its members.
  Previously known as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA 
Organization was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers with 
dreams to develop an organization which would address the challenges of 
feeding a growing population. These young farmers' leadership, 
experience, and passion for the industry became a movement that, for 
nearly 100 years, has adapted to represent the entirety of agriculture, 
not just farming. The National FFA Organization has been an institution 
where students can grow as both agriculturists and leaders. Today, 
there are 735,038 FFA members in 8,817 chapters across all 50 States, 
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. In my home 
State of Arkansas, FFA has 229 chapters with close to 16,000 members.
  FFA is a part of an integrated model that implements classroom 
agricultural education and hands-on, experiential learning. I commend 
the more than 13,000 agricultural science teachers and FFA advisers who 
prepare the next generation of leaders. It is because of them that we 
can be confident in the upcoming farmers, ranchers, foresters, 
agriculturalists, scientists, educators, and those who seek a career 
outside of the agricultural industry.
  I have been fortunate to spend some time with these impressive young 
people. They hail from different parts of the country and come from 
unique backgrounds, but all possess the same passion for agriculture 
and service. It is always encouraging hearing FFA members share their 
experiences and goals for the future. There is no doubt they are 
prepared to make those goals reality.
  FFA is about more than preparing students for careers in agriculture. 
It teaches leadership skills, instills a sense of service, and places 
young Arkansans and young people all over the country on the right path 
for success. After leaving their chapters, these young leaders continue 
to make a positive difference in the world around them. There are over 
8 million FFA alumni. Alumni continue to use the knowledge and skills 
acquired while they were members. I know this to be true. Currently, I 
have eight FFA alumni on my staff, including some who received the 
highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization and alumni 
who served as chapter, State, and national officers.
  FFA members inspire those they serve, and I, too, have been impressed 
by the members and their accomplishments. I am increasingly optimistic 
about the future of agriculture, especially with passionate, dedicated 
leaders, like the ones developed by FFA, at the helm. FFA members serve 
as a reminder that our future is bright. I am honored to applaud the 
great work of FFA at the local, State, and national level as we 
celebrate National FFA Week.

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